UPDATE 2/20/2025@8 a.m.: After consultation with the local State Highway Administration (SHA), St. Mary’s County’s snow emergency plan was lifted on 2/20/2025 at 5:30 a.m.
The St. Mary’s County Snow Emergency Plan went into effect on February 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. following a rapid accumulation of snow that created hazardous driving conditions. Officials will continue to assess the situation and lift the emergency plan once roads are deemed safe for travel.
With the plan in place, motorists are required to follow specific regulations to ensure public safety. Vehicles traveling on designated snow emergency routes must be equipped with either snow tires or chains on at least one wheel at each end of a driving axle. Any driver failing to comply with these requirements is prohibited from using these routes until the emergency declaration is lifted.
In addition to travel restrictions, parking along snow emergency routes is strictly forbidden. Law enforcement officers have the authority to tow any vehicle parked in violation of this order to ensure that roads remain clear for snowplows and emergency vehicles. Officials emphasize the importance of keeping roadways accessible during severe weather events to allow for effective snow removal and emergency response efforts.
Authorities are urging residents to use extreme caution when traveling, as icy conditions and limited visibility may make roads treacherous. Drivers should allow extra travel time, reduce speed, and remain vigilant for rapidly changing conditions. Pedestrians are also advised to be cautious, as sidewalks and crosswalks may be covered in ice and snow.
Emergency response teams, local law enforcement, and road maintenance crews are actively working to monitor conditions and clear snow emergency routes. Officials will continue providing updates as the situation evolves, and the Snow Emergency Plan will remain in effect until it is determined that roads are safe for normal traffic.
St. Mary’s County residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring official county announcements, local news outlets, and traffic reports. Drivers should check conditions before traveling and be prepared for potential delays. Officials stress that unnecessary travel should be avoided whenever possible during the snow emergency to reduce the risk of accidents and allow road crews to work efficiently.
With winter weather impacting travel across the region, the activation of the Snow Emergency Plan ensures that public safety remains a priority. Residents are reminded to follow all emergency regulations and exercise caution until conditions improve.
